Nurse admits to 'inappropriate relationship' with prison inmate

A nurse has admitted to having an ‘inappropriate relationship’ with a prison inmate.

Elyse Hibbs, 25, admitted she become involved with the man while working at HMP Manchester – also known as Strangeways prison.

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She was also involved with the man while working at the category B HMP Parc in Bridgend, Wales, Cardiff Crown Court heard on Tuesday (20 September).

Hibbs has pleaded guilty to one charge of misconduct in a public office and she now faces time in jail.

Another woman who worked at the jail in Wales – Ruth Shmylo, also 25 – is also accused of having an inappropriate relationship with the inmate.

Shmylo – who is also charged with misconduct in a public office - appeared in court alongside Hibbs and did not enter a plea. She must return to court next month.

The prisoner has not been named in the court charges.

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On Tuesday 20 September, Hibbs – from Manchester – was informed ‘all options’ remain open for sentencing after she appeared at Cardiff Crown Court.

Her defence lawyer Adam Sharp explained her plea was on a basis that would require it to be reviewed by the Crown Prosecution Service. Sharp also requested a pre-sentence report.

Hibbs has been told to return to court next month to receive her sentence or a further direction hearing.

Recorder of Cardiff, Tracey Lloyd-Clarke, said: "You have pleaded guilty to what is, as I suspect you know, a very serious offence.

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"I'm going to order a pre-sentence report and bail you to the next hearing.

"You shouldn't read anything into either of those decisions, all options remain open to the court."

The charge against Hibbs – who worked as a nurse - reads: “While acting as a public officer, namely prison nurse, wilfully and without reasonable excuse or justification misconducted yourself in a way which amounted to an abuse of the public's trust in the office holder by engaging in an inappropriate relationship with a prisoner."

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While the charge against Shmylo states: “While acting as a public officer, namely a prison custody officer, wilfully and without reasonable excuse or justification misconducted yourself in a way which amounted to an abuse of the public's trust in the office holder by engaging in an inappropriate relationship with a prisoner."

Shmylo will also return to court in October.

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Gregory Robinson

Gregory is a journalist working for Tyla. After graduating with a master's degree in journalism, he has worked for both print and online publications and is particularly interested in TV, (pop) music and lifestyle. He loves Madonna, teen dramas from the '90s and prefers tea over coffee.